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Mulga Parrot

(Psephotus varius)
Alternative names: "Many-coloured Parrot", "Varied Parrot"
Size: 26-30 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

The distribution of Mulga Parrots across the Australian continent is complex - for details see a field guide. Mulga Parrots are found mostly in the semi-arid interior, from southern central QLD across the western half of NSW, along the Murray-Darling Basin into south-eastern SA, all through the western half of SA and into the south-western corner of the NT. They are also found in the south-western interior of WA, but not along the coastline. Conditions permitting, they also occasionally cross the Nullarbor, near the WA/SA border. Only in SA are they found along the coastline, from just to the east of the Nullarbor to about the Adelaide area.

Mulga Parrots are usually found in mallee-type woodland and low shrubs in semi-arid to arid habitats.

Sightings

Mulga Parrots are quite similar to Red-rumped Parrots in both appearance and habits. We spotted them for the first time in March 2008, first in the flood plains of the Darling River in western NSW and later also in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Seen only westward of Tilpa, NSW, on the Darling River.

Photos

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Frontal view of a male bird

Lateral view of a male Mulga Parrot drinking from a leaking water tank

Back of a male bird

Lateral view of a female Mulga Parrot